Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city where tradition meets modernity in a fascinating blend. While iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower draw millions of visitors each year, there’s a treasure trove of unconventional experiences waiting to be discovered. From quirky cafes to unique neighbourhoods, here are 20 unusual things to do in Seoul that promise to make your trip truly memorable.

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Overview of Things To Do in Seoul

Here are some of my top travel tips for exploring Seoul in South Korea to save you money and time. If it’s your first time travelling to Korea don’t miss out on these 10 must-know things to know before you travel to South Korea.

Check For Discounts

Many tourist sightseeing attractions in Seoul offer online discounts for tickets for foreigners. Notable mentions include Lotte World and Namsan Seoul Tower. For the top booking platforms for discounted admissions check out Klook, Viator or GetYourGuide to skip long waiting lines and get discounted admission as a foreign tourist.

Stay Connected

If you’re travelling to Korea you might think you won’t need to buy any online data for your travels. Whilst in most areas of Seoul you can access public WiFi it’s not always reliable and it can be a hassle trying to find free WiFi. With this in mind, you can rent a pocket WiFi to connect multiple devices to the internet or simply get a SIM Card to stay connected and find your way around Osaka.

Transport Card

T-money cards are prepaid cards that let you use public transportation (bus, subway) without you paying with a card or cash. T-money cards also offer you discounts and free transfers to and from buses and other subways. After you purchase a T-money card you need to add funds before you can use it on public transport. You can add money to your T-money card at ticket and card-loading machines in subways or convenience stores. If you’re uncomfortable asking someone at the convenience store you might prefer to use the ticket machine which supports different languages including English. I recommend ordering via Klook where you can get a SIM card and T-money in one package.

Save Money with Passes

If you want to save money on transport consider ordering a pass in advance for your train transfers (high-speed trains) across South Korea. There are also city passes that get you discounts on public transport rides and admissions to ticket attractions in different cities. I’ll be linking below some travel passes to consider your trips!

Korea Rail Pass

The Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) provides unlimited rides on almost all the trains operated by South Korea’s major railway provider KORAIL. There are different options for KR Passes including booking a pass to cover trains for flexible 2 or 4 days or 3 or 4 consecutive days. Not only does the KR pass cover 80 routes and +600 stations. The pass offers discounts only available for foreign tourists including on tourist attractions and accommodation.

Seoul Pass

The Seoul Pass doubles as a T-money card and an admission ticket to top attractions in Seoul. Not only does this pass give you a T-money card that can be topped up and refunded for any remaining balance. The pass also gives you discounted tickets to over 101 tourist attractions (within 24, 48, and 72 hours) and free access to over major attractions. If you plan on visiting multiple sightseeing attractions in Seoul that require admission tickets this is a great option to save money for your travels around Seoul.

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Travelling to South Korea for the first time? Read up on these must-know insider tips to prepare yourself for your trip in my Korea Survival Travel Guide.

Features of the guide

• Korea Travel Essentials (Must-Have Apps, Language, Transport, etc.)
• Includes Naver Map links making planning and navigating Korea easy!
• Must know things for your trip to Korea (Things no one tells you about Korea – scams, language barrier, travel etiquette, etc.)
• Essential Korean vocabulary and phrases (learn how to order at restaurants, shops, and navigation)
• Guide to using public transport in Korea (“What’s the best way to travel?” “How do I book high-speed trains and buses?”)
• Where to stay in South Korea? (“Where are the best areas and places to stay in Korea?”)
• Where can I find the best places to eat in Korea (Recommendations for restaurants & cafes)
• Where should I travel in South Korea? (Recommendations for Seoul & Beyond ~ Discover hidden gems).
• …. and much more!

20 Unusual Things To Do in Seoul

Seoul is a huge city littered with unique attractions and places to visit. Let’s dive into the lesser-known and more unique things to do around Seoul to add to your Seoul travel bucket list!

Visit an Abandoned Theme Park

Opening Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (Daily)

Address: 서울 중랑구 망우로70길 118

Looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure in Seoul? Look no further than Yongma Land (용마랜드), an abandoned amusement park turned photographer backdrop that is often featured in MV and photoshoots. It often attracts Korean couples who visit for wedding photos or take instagrammable photos.

Originally built in the 80s as an attraction park it closed down in 2011 due to its competitors Lotte World and Everland. Since re-opening as a themepark it’s the perfect spot to take photos or an entertaining way to spend your afternoon for those not afraid of the haunted vibes.

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Make Your Own Make-Up Product

If you’re into K-beauty products why not craft a unique lipstick that perfectly suits your skin type? In this K-beauty lipstick workshop, you’ll get helpful tips and guidance during your consultation with Korean skincare professional to make two lipstick shades that best suit you. This English-friendly workshop runs for about an hour and you’ll get to leave with your unique shade and fragrance lipstick featuring gorgeous Korean packaging.

Colour Analysis Consultation

Elevate your style with a certified professional in Seoul to conduct your colour analysis. Put simply, you’ll get to discover the best styling tips for your fashion, make-up and more that best suit your colour type. If you’re worried about the language barrier, fear not cause this personal colour analysis consult includes an English interpreter to help streamline your service.

If you’ve struggled with inconsistent sizing and want to infuse colour seamlessly into your style, a colour analysis consult is the answer you’ve been searching for.

Step into Another World & Get Fresh Breakfast

Address: 674, Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 동작구 노들로 674)

If you want to see a different side of Seoul, you’ll have to visit one of the most unique places in Seoul – Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진수산물도매시장). Found in a giant warehouse next to Noryangjin subway station, the fish market is a bustling place where Seoul’s restaurants come to find the freshest catch of the day. The market features over 700 vendors selling a variety of seafood, from blue crabs, and sea cucumbers to ocotpus and more.

From 3 am auctions for the best catches start and visitors can watch the display or join in. If you’re feeling hungry, you can pick some fresh seafood and the kitchens in the market will prepare it in a freshly cooked meal. If you’re feeling a bit intimidated to visit this fish market by yourself you can join a local tour covering Noryangjin Fish Market to discover the best food spots!

Experience the Unique Cafe Hopping Culture

Visiting unique cafes in Seoul is an adventure in itself, where each corner offers a distinct aesthetic and flavour. From the whimsical animal cafes where patrons can enjoy a cup of coffee while surrounded by playful animals, to the cozy hanok panoramic views of the city skyline, Seoul’s cafe scene caters to every taste and preference.

Dive into the world of themed cafes, like the famous Harry Potter or the charming book cafes tucked away in cozy alleys, providing the perfect retreat for bookworms. Whether you’re sipping on artisanal brews in a minimalist space or indulging in quirky desserts at a themed establishment, exploring Seoul’s diverse cafe culture promises an unforgettable experience for locals and travellers alike.

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☕️ Want to find the best places to eat in South Korea?

Don’t miss out on over 290 cafes and restaurants to visit in Korea in my Cafe & Restaurant Guide. I’ve included some of my favourite eateries and essential information including:

• Over 290 local cafes & restaurants to visit (with Naver Map links)
• How to find hidden local eateries (cafes & restaurants)
• Over 30 essential Korean phrases & vocabulary for ordering at restaurants & cafes
• Essential etiquette for eating out in Korea ….. and more!

Discover Hidden Treasures

Address: 21, Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 동대문구 천호대로4길 21)

Hidden treasures await you at the Seoul Folk Flea Market (서울 풍물시장). This hidden gem in Seoul is a sprawling traditional flea market that features various items spanning several floors, including antiques, household goods, electronics and clothing. As you wander, you can also get a glimpse of Seoul’s history on display, from 1988 Olympic memorabilia to artefacts from the Japanese occupation and beyond. If you visit you’ll get to experience a unique atmosphere mixing revered traditions and modern aspects, leaving you with a memorable shopping experience in Seoul.

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Embark on a Ghost Adventure

Add a unique experience to your Seoul trip by joining an intriguing city ghost night tour to explore the spookiest alleyways and spots across downtown Seoul. During the tour, you’ll get to learn about urban legends, Korean serial killers, wandering ghosts and dark secrets of Korea’s history. This experience will leave you with unforgettable memories, especially when joined by friends or family members interested in this type of experience.

So what are you waiting for? Discover what (or who) lies under the city in this walking city tour.

Rent a School Uniform

While most tourists visiting South Korea look forward to dressing up in a traditional Korean hanbok, there’s another traditional costume that you can rent for some unique photos – Korean school uniforms. Dressing up in Korean school uniforms is one of the most unique things to do in Seoul by locals. Fans of K-POP will recognise the uniforms as they have been worn by many of their idols, including TWICE and BTS. You can rent traditional and modern Korean school uniforms when you visit Seoul and recreate your favourite scenes such as in Hongdae or Gangnam.

One of the best places to rent a school uniform in Seoul is Lotte World – a massive outdoor and indoor amusement park filled with thrilling rides, shops, museums, an ice rink, and parades all day and night long. The theme park is one of the top things to do in Seoul at night due to its parades and light performances. In particular, it’s Magic Castle which lights up the night sky and is a must-see place. If you’re visiting Lotte World, make sure to reserve your tickets online in advance to get a tourist discount and skip the queues.

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📌 Ultimate Seoul Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Seoul for the first time? Save hours of planning with this one-stop Seoul Travel Guide.

• +300 places to explore in Seoul and outside the capital city (with Naver Map links)
• Local guide to using and booking transport in Korea
• Best places to eat in Seoul (cafe & restaurant recommendations)
• Best photo spots in Seoul (tourist traps & local recommendations)
• Insider tips on where to stay, shop & things to do in Seoul
• … and more!

Experience a Temple Stay

This list wouldn’t be complete without adding a stay at a Korean Buddhist Temple. Whilst a day trip to a temple can be unique, a temple stay program is a one-of-a-kind experience and is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and escape the bustling life of the city. Through a temple stay program, you’ll get insider glimpses of cultural practices including tea ceremonies, local workshops and a glimpse of a side of life that regular visitors never get to see.

Participants for example can experience a variety of programs during their stay. However, it is possible to just relax and stay overnight at a temple. Some programs however include experiences such as making Buddhist rosary, 108 bows, Buddhist dining etiquette and more. Why not experience Seoul off the beaten path escape the bustling city and reconnect through this cultural experience?

Get Locked Up at Seodaemun Prison History Hall (서대문형무소역사관)

Opening hours: 9:30 to 18:00 (March to October) & November to February (9:30 to 17:00)

Admission: ￦3,000 for Adults or free with the Discover Seoul Pass.

Step back into Korea’s history at Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Built in 1910, towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty, it was largely used during the Japanese Occupation where Japanese soldiers were tortured and executed by Korean Independence Fighters. This prison has become a symbol of the perseverance of the Koreans fighting for the liberation of their country.

If you visit you’ll get to see the original cell block, a museum, a small factory, the execution room and the prison grounds. The public can also get a glimpse of the graphic displays of torture methods used, as well as hands-on experiences like getting locked in a cell or being confined to a coffin-sized standing box. Visitors will get to experience the hardships that thousands suffered in the name of ‘freedom. ‘

Visit PooPoo Land (놀이똥산)

Address: 251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251)

Embrace the quirky side of Seoul with a visit to Poopoo Land, a colourful museum dedicated to all things poop-related. From interactive exhibits explaining the science behind digestion to humorous displays featuring poop-themed artwork, this indoor museum is as bizarre as it is educational. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you curious. You can also grab some unique photos with your friends and family here.

Visit Mullae Art Village (문래동 예술촌)

Address: 13-8, Dorim-ro 128ga-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Tucked away in the small alleys of the neighbourhood of Mullaedong lies Mullae Art Village (문래동 예술촌). Previously an industrial area clustered with factories, this neighbourhood was once well-known for its materials and parts produced at small metal workshops. The success of this neighbourhood however has deteriorated due to industrial changes where deserted workshops filled the lackluster area.

Fast forward to the 2000s, marked the onset of a new era. The area attracted young musicians and artists in search of affordable rent. Thanks to the artists, the atmosphere changed as they established new grounds among buildings known for the boisterous sounds of machinery. With an added touch of creativity in the outdated factories lining the alleys, this area has been transformed into a popular art destination.

Now the urban village is adorned with mural paintings and Seoul street art. Stroll through this neighbourhood and encounter vivid artworks depicted on roller shutters of closed factories, adjacent to welding flames at the remaining ironworks around.

Rainbow Light Show

Address: 40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40)

This vibrant fountain is a colourful and unique attraction that shouldn’t be missed in Seoul at night. Recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s longest bridge fountain.” Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수) has almost 400 water jets that light up and spout around five to six days a day between April to October – one of the most colourful and unique attractions in Seoul. During the day, this fountain also comes to life with a water show that is meant to represent willow trees swaying in the wind.

Take a Step Back Into Time

Address: 서울 용산구 용산동2가 1-1342

If you’re looking for an unusual thing to do in Seoul, you’ll want to add the 108 Heaven Stairway in Haebangchon (후암동 108 하늘계단), Seoul. One of the last physical traces of Japanese colonialism in the area found beneath Namsan. Constructed in 1943 by Japanese authorities, it was built to pave the way to the Gyeongseong Hoguk Shrine, a Shinto shrine built to house ‘Japan’s war dead.’ During Japanese occupation, Koreans who lived in the area were forced to walk up the stairs to attend the daily prayers. 1945 however marked the expulsion of the Japanese and the shrine was torn down at the hands of the local Korean community but the stairway remains.

Today, you can find the stairs tucked away in the neighbourhood of Haebangchon, an area that until recently was considered to be run down. Over recent years, this area however has transformed into a collection of bars, cafes and galleries mixed with residential blocks.

Try a Local Treat

Address: 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 35-4)

Visiting Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간) in Seoul is an immersive experience into the heart of Korean culinary heritage. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum offers a captivating journey through the history, culture, and significance of kimchi, Korea’s iconic fermented vegetable dish.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a vibrant display of kimchi varieties, each representing different regions and seasons. Engaging exhibits showcase traditional kimchi-making techniques, from preparation to fermentation, highlighting its role as a staple in Korean cuisine. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations provide insights into the cultural significance of kimchi in Korean society. Visitors can also participate in hands-on workshops to learn how to make their own kimchi.

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Check Out Oil Tank Cultural Park (문화비축기지)

Opening hours: Oil Tank Culture Park (24 hours), Exhibition Halls (10:00 to 18:00)

Address: 87, Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 증산로 87)

If you’re looking for an unusual thing to do in Seoul, look no further than the Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul. Found in the Mapo district, this Oil Tank Culture Park was once a storage facility for Seoul’s emergency oil supplies now turned cultural complex featuring festivals, performances, workshops and village markets.

The Oil Tank Culture Park is perhaps one of the most underrated places in Seoul, but it is worth a visit. Six of the oil tanks have been transformed into galleries, performance halls, cafes, museums and learning spaces. It’s also an underrated photo spot in Seoul.

Visit One of the Best Secrets of Seoul

Address: 343 , Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 선유로 343)

If you prefer exploring off-the-beaten paths on your travels you’ll want to add this underrated spot in Seoul – Seonyudo Park (선유도공원). Found on the island in the Han River it can only be accessed via the bridge.

Previously a wasteland, it was reclaimed into a nature’s wonderland by the Seoul Government as part of the large-scale Hangang Renaissance Project. Today the park serves as a sprawling eco-conscious space with its unique botanical garden. Be sure to check out the water displays, botanical gardens and walking displays. You can also find a children’s play area, the Seoul Design Gallery, and cafes. If you’re visiting Seoul in spring make sure to add this spot as it’s one of the most underrated cherry viewing spots in Seoul.

Stay at a Themed Accommodation

This list wouldn’t be complete without adding unique accommodation in Seoul. Below are some recommendations for quirky and unique stays in Seoul to add to your trip.

Hanok Stay

Nestled in Eunpyeong Hanok Village in Seoul, IRIRU Hanok Stay offers a premium traditional experience just footsteps away from local eateries and sightseeing attractions such as Jingwan Temple and Eunpyeong Trail. In addition to boasting authentic traditional design, coupled with gorgeous timber flooring and frames. You’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the mountains, the surrounding Hanok village and the modern comforts of spacious rooms, a sun terrace and a jacuzzi to rejuvenate after a day of exploring Seoul.

Check pricing and availability.

Andaz Seoul Gangnam

If you’re looking for a mixture of modernity and uniqueness combined in one, look no further than Andaz Seoul Gangnam. Make a splash with a stay at this luxurious property and its gorgeous indoor pool featuring a vibrant art installation that is begging for photos.

Check pricing and availability.

RYSE, Autograph Collection

Adorned in pastel and bright colours, RYSE is a reflection of the KPOP trend. Rest assured you’ll be treated to a funky and unique stay at this hip property. Sourced from Marriott’s Autography Collection, the property features a youthful vibe and eye-catching designs in all its rooms. Each room is also fully furnished with amenities including walk-in showers, Bluetooth speakers, dishwashers and foam pillows. If that isn’t enough, the hotel also has an onsite gym, bar and restaurants to add to the mix when staying at Ryse.

Check pricing and availability.

Head to a KPOP Show

Did you really go to South Korea if you didn’t see a K-POP singer or group in person? Whether you want to experience a K-POP performance or you secretly have a lifelong crush on one of the idols, it’s a bucket-list experience you’re not going to have anywhere else in the world.

From the chants the fans learn specifically for the songs to the intense dance moves the idols show on the stage, you’ll be left wanting to attend another show – just trust me. Just note that getting into a show is highly competitive (and not guaranteed). If you want a guaranteed spot, Trazy has some tickets on sale for shows.

Day Trip to this Fairytale Village

While not technically in Seoul, I couldn’t but help add the whimsical destination of Petite France. As suggested by the name, it’s an imaginative version of France featuring colourful buildings, quirky paintings, and fun attractions, awaiting exploration. This place is best explored as a day trip from Seoul with the Garden of the Morning Calm or other Gapyeong or Chuncheon sites.

• Petite France & Italian Village Day Trip
• Petite France, Nami Island, Italian Village & Railbike Experience
• Petite France, Nami Island, Chowon Panorama Field & Garden of Morning Calm

Seoul offers a plethora of unusual experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a cat café, singing your heart out at a Noraebang, or exploring hidden mural villages, these offbeat adventures promise to make your trip to Seoul truly unforgettable. So go ahead, step off the beaten path, and discover the extraordinary side of this dynamic city with these 20 unusual things to do in Seoul.

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